As our Uganda missions team travelled into the mountains, we wove back and forth along the mountainside. We looked forward to arriving at the Kishanje campus of Juna Amagara’s ministry. The children from this school were not in session because their weeks on holiday had just begun. This meant that we were able to relationally connect with the staff and leaders of the ministry.

The first night of our stay in Kishanje began with resting and talking over tea. Tea, we have found, is a regular part of each day which happens around 7pm and pushes dinner back to around 9pm. During this time we engaged in discussions about theology and Scripture with three university students named Paul, Peter, and Michael. These discussions continued through our flashlight-lit dinner consisting of rice, beans, pasta, and g-nut sauce (purple peanut sauce). These encouragements to one another turned musical when I, David, pulled out my guitar and worship binder to begin a session of worship. We worshipped God with about 12 songs and many of the staff members and then ended in prayer. It was moving to be able to worship God with other likeminded believers from another continent.

The next day, we met Harriet, the woman who supervises the children of the school. We followed her up to the school and received a tour of the school and the sewing facilities. During this time, the university students were teaching English classes to a few students who desired to learn more, even during the holiday break. Harriet brought us to her office and asked if we had recently learned any new teaching techniques or helpful ministry tools. I saw that she had some small group discussion materials that the school had just begun using.  I encouraged her that student discussion is an effective way to help students process what they are learning. I also shared that in large group teaching times, allowing students to pair up for “Pair Share” discussion allows this to happen in a large group setting.

Our discussion with Harriet continued and I was able to describe the Deep and Wide Student Ministry Strategy that we use at Village Bible Church. I explained the G.O.S.P.E.L. acronym we use as an evangelism tool (see the end of this blogpost), as well as the evangelism Cause Circle. She was thrilled about these because of how useful they are in teaching the core elements of evangelism. I am excited to follow up with her about how she can further implement these tools.

I also connected well with Paul, the university student named Paul. As our conversation continued, we began to discuss how we could use the powerful medium of video as a way to advance the kingdom of God. One of Harriet’s frustrations is that illiteracy is a hurdle that is hard to overcome, especially when trying to send homework with the children to the homes of their guardians. Paul and I realized that Scripture memory songs would be an excellent way for children to learn verses from the Bible, and to bring those verses home with them. We plan to work with existing Scripture memory songs set to video footage with the Biblical text included to present a more engaging way for students to learn the verses.

Ralph was able to spend the afternoon preaching in a midweek service held at the school for the local residents. Part of the team was also able to climb a mountain for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. These and other positive aspects made our stay in Kishanje an enjoyable part of our trip.

GOSPEL Journey® Message

God created us to be with him. (Genesis 1–2)

Our sins separate us from God. (Genesis 3)

Sins cannot be removed by good deeds. (Genesis 4–Malachi 4)

Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again. (Matthew–Luke)

Everyone who trusts in him alone has eternal life. (John)

Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever. (Acts–Revelation)

© Dare 2 Share Ministries.